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Unit of study_

PERF2604: Chinese Music Ensemble 1

Semester 1, 2022 [Normal day] - Sydney

In this unit students will receive small group tuition on one traditional Chinese musical instrument (provided on loan). They will be guided in playing the instrument in an ensemble, and will participate in ensemble performances. Through seminar-style discussions of four selected readings and of at least one concert of Chinese music attended during the semester, they will begin to develop a broad understanding of Chinese traditional musical instruments, ensembles, and musical structures, thus enhancing their knowledge of China's thousands of years of recorded musical history and its extensive and diverse musical traditions.

Unit details and rules

Unit code PERF2604
Academic unit
Credit points 6
Prohibitions
? 
None
Prerequisites
? 
None
Corequisites
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Lu Liu, lu.liu@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) Lu Liu, lu.liu@sydney.edu.au
Tutor(s) Nicholas Ng, nicholas.ng@sydney.edu.au
Li Chloe Chung, chloe.chung@sydney.edu.au
Lei Hu, l.hu@sydney.edu.au
Type Description Weight Due Length
Assignment Concert report (15%)
Written report on a concert of Chinese music
15% Formal exam period
Due date: 11 Jun 2021 at 23:59
1000 words
Outcomes assessed: LO2 LO3 LO4
Participation Seminar tasks and participation (25%)
Quizzes and seminar preparation and participation
25% Ongoing Assessed throughout the semester
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO4 LO3 LO2
Skills-based evaluation Study of and ensemble performance on a traditional Chinese instrument (60%)
Progress in learning one traditional Chinese instrument
60% Ongoing Ongoing during semester
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO4 LO3 LO2

Assessment summary

  • Study of and ensemble performance on a traditional Chinese instrument (60%): Students are assessed on their progress in learning one chosen traditional Chinese instrument as demonstrated during the entire period of the Unit of Study, and will also be assessed on their participation in all scheduled ensemble performances during the semester. Participation in performances is compulsory and is a hurdle requirement for completing the course.
  • Seminar tasks and participation (25%): Three short multiple-choice quizzes on canvas (the first a hurdle requirement, the second and third each 5%), participation in all seminars.
  • Concert report (15%): Report on a concert of Chinese music attended during semester (lecturer will advise if online concerts are also acceptable) and submitted after the final class.
Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

The following assessment criteria are used for written work in this unit of study:

Result name

Mark range

Description

High distinction

85 - 100

Demonstrates high level of initiative in research and reading; sophisticated critical analysis of evidence; high level engagement with theoretical issues, innovative use of reading/research material and impressive command of underlying debates and assumptions; properly documented and written with style, originality and precision.

Distinction

75 - 84

Demonstrates initiative in research and wide, appropriate reading; complex understanding of
question and ability to critically review material in relation to underlying assumptions and
values; analyses material in relation to empirical and theoretical contexts; properly
documented; clear, well-developed structure and argument with some signs of literary style.

Credit

65 - 74

Evidence of broader understanding than pass level; offers synthesis with some critical
evaluation of material; coherent argument using a range of relevant evidence; some evidence
of independent thought, good referencing. A high credit (70-74) shows some evidence of ability to problematise and think conceptually.

Pass

50 - 64

Written work meets basic requirements in terms of reading/research; relevant material;
tendency to descriptive summary rather than critical argument; makes a reasonable attempt to avoid paraphrasing; reasonably coherent structure; often has weaknesses in particular areas, especially in terms of narrow or underdeveloped treatment of question; acceptable
documentation.

Fail

0 - 49

Work may fail for any or all of the following reasons: Unacceptable paraphrasing; irrelevance of content; poor spelling; poor presentation; grammar or structure so sloppy it cannot be understood; failure to demonstrate understanding of content; insufficient or overlong word length.

For more information see sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades.

The following assessment criteria are used for performance in this unit of study:

Result name

Mark range

Description

High distinction

85 - 100

Comprehensive and outstanding technical control and musical integrity in relation to
developmental expectations. Musical individuality consistently projected to create a persuasive personal representation of the work. Performance flair indicative of soloist standard. A mark of 95 or above indicates extraordinary technical virtuosity and musical artistry.

Distinction

75 - 84

Excellent technical, musical and stylistic achievement. Consistently coherent and expressive
performance. Some personal interpretation of the work suggesting soloist potential.

Credit

65 - 74

Confident technique with evidence of solid musicality and some stylistic achievement.
Occasional lapses indicative of unresolved technical, artistic and/or stylistic issues. Projects
potential for further development.

Pass

50 - 64

Satisfactory level of preparation and musical engagement. Some inconsistencies in
musicianship, style and/or technique. Musical imagination and overall performance sense
developing though some insecurity in this area.

Fail

0 - 49

Unsatisfactory technical achievement and/or unsatisfactory level of musical and artistic
engagement. Limitations may be of such a scale and consistency as to call into question the
students’ future direction in the programme.

For more information see sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades.

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

  • Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
  • After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website  provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.  

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

You may only use artificial intelligence and writing assistance tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator, and if you do use them, you must also acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section.

Studiosity is permitted for postgraduate units unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission.

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 Group lesson on one traditional Chinese instrument Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
1. Introduction to the unit; 2. Introduction to the instruments of the Chinese orchestra (through discussion of reading 1) Seminar (1 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 02 Group lesson on one traditional Chinese instrument Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 03 Group lesson on one traditional Chinese instrument Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
1. Introduction to the Chinese orchestra and its history; 2. Preparing scores and notation for first tutti rehearsal (held in week 5). Seminar (1 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 04 Group lesson on one traditional Chinese instrument Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 05 Group lesson on one traditional Chinese instrument Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Guest speaker (details advised on canvas). Q&A on reading #3 if required. Seminar (1 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4
Tutti rehearsal Rehearsal (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 06 Group lesson on one traditional Chinese instrument Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Tutti rehearsal Rehearsal (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 07 Group lesson on one traditional Chinese instrument Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Discussion of oral transmission in folk music traditions through the movie Song of Phoenix Seminar (1 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4
Tutti rehearsal Rehearsal (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 08 Group lesson on one traditional Chinese instrument Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Tutti rehearsal Rehearsal (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 09 Group lesson on one traditional Chinese instrument Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Q&A on writing a concert report (assessment 3) Seminar (1 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4
Tutti rehearsal Rehearsal (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 10 Tutti rehearsal Rehearsal (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 11 Group lesson on one traditional Chinese instrument Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Tutti rehearsal Rehearsal (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 12 Group lesson on one traditional Chinese instrument Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Concert preparation, tips, Q&A Seminar (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Tutti rehearsal Rehearsal (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 13 Tutti rehearsal Rehearsal (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
End of semester performance Performance (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4

Attendance and class requirements

  • Attendance: As per the Sydney Conservatorium of Music resolutions, http://sydney.edu.au/handbooks/conservatorium/rules/faculty_resolutions.shtml (Item 11): Full (100 per cent) and punctual attendance is a requirement in all activities where students have a role as active participants in the class or activity. Active participation includes situations where the student's contribution is to perform, rehearse or direct rehearsals in a small or large ensemble, or to give seminar and tutorial papers or presentations or undertake assessment tasks. Active participation also includes all one-to-one studio teaching and supervision. Except in cases of illness or misadventure, failure to attend activities or classes where a student is an active participant will be seen as failure to meet the requirements of the unit of study.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

The set text for this unit is Music in China: Experiencing Music, Expressing Culture by Frederick Lau (Oxford & New York: Oxford University Press, 2008).

 

No.

Focus and set reading

Extra reading (optional)

#1:

The instruments of the orchestra

Lau, Frederick. 2008. Music in China: Experiencing Music, Expressing Culture. New York & Oxford: Oxford University Press. Pages 4-15 (part of Chapter 1)

You may like to search for more background information on the instrument you are studying within Garland Encyclopedia of World Music and Grove Music Online (both listed below). They are key sources for general information on Chinese music.

#2

The history of the Chinese orchestra

Lau 2008, pp. 36-41 (part of Chapter 2)

 

Tsui Ying-fai. 2002. "Ensembles: The Modern Chinese Orchestra." In The Garland Encyclopedia of World Music, Volume 7:  East Asia - China, Japan and Korea, edited by Robert C. Provine, Tokumaru Yoshihiko and J. Lawrence Witzleben, 264-269. London & New York: Routledge.

#3

Musics across China

Lau 2008, pp. 1-3, 16-29 (remainder of Chapter 1)

 

Thrasher, Alan R. et al. 2016. "China, Part 1: Introduction: Historical, regional and study perspectives." In Grove Music Online. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Available from: http://www.oxfordmusiconline.com/subscriber/article/grove/music/43141.

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. demonstrate improved musical performance skills and, for many of you, the ability to play a new instrument
  • LO2. demonstrate greater knowledge of the music and musical aesthetics of China, and particularly the music of the Han majority
  • LO3. demonstrate enhanced awareness of musical diversity
  • LO4. have gained additional experience and skills in understanding and reflecting upon new musical experiences.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1 Depth of disciplinary expertise

Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.

GQ2 Critical thinking and problem solving

Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.

GQ3 Oral and written communication

Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.

GQ4 Information and digital literacy

Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.

GQ5 Inventiveness

Generating novel ideas and solutions.

GQ6 Cultural competence

Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.

GQ7 Interdisciplinary effectiveness

Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.

GQ8 Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity

An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.

GQ9 Influence

Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes Graduate qualities
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9
LO1         
LO2         
LO3         
LO4         

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

After running this unit mainly online in 2021, seminars delivery maintain online format in 2022. Assessment and unit structure remains unchanged.

More information can be found on Canvas.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.